Bumps on Upper Arm

[cndlott]

I have bumps all over my upper arms, seems to be worse during the summer.  They usually are puss filled.  They are not red bumps like I read about.  They tend to clear up during the winter, but are really bad during the summer(I suppose sweat makes them worse).  What can I do to get rid of them? I've tried exfoliants, moisurizers, alpha hydroxy, etc.

[Lil' Miss]

I have this same problem, as well as my sister and daughter.  Mine seems to increase in the summer months as well.  I have noticed that using dial soap will help decrease the bumps, it does not get rid of them but will help.  Also when I go to he tanning bed it seems to help as well.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You very likely have keratosis pilaris, a hereditary condition.  You can smooth the bumps out to some extent with some of the methods you've already used, such as alpha-hydroxy moisturizers and exfoliation.  Perhaps you didn't use them long enough, or maybe you assumed they would make the problem go away forever, which it won't.  (That's heredity for you.)

I advise you to check with your dermatologist about the use of stronger exfoliating techniques.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff